tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post2492914559014378312..comments2024-03-09T08:32:09.187+00:00Comments on ratter: Jet's festive messageratterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09056842592399489363noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-5647349880109300152011-04-01T18:19:29.930+01:002011-04-01T18:19:29.930+01:00Good rant, Jet!
I will say this for Christmas, ...Good rant, Jet! <br /><br />I will say this for Christmas, that the history of craziness and celebration around the December time of year is very, very old, and pre-dates it's co-opting by the Christian religion. I like to give in to the 'Can't Beat 'em, join em!' mentality and simply celebrate simply because it's expected, traditional and everyone by and large seems to enjoy it.<br /><br />It's so easy to be cynical about everything these days, I feel a bit of a punk sometimes for bucking the trend!<br /><br />It's April 1st and a bit late for Yuletide greetings, so I'll just say thanks for posting and THANKS for all the great music!Tarzanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00749350183917452144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-86442960750794873072011-01-21T18:23:10.119+00:002011-01-21T18:23:10.119+00:00hi jet! greetings from miami , FLORIDA!
Great piec...hi jet! greetings from miami , FLORIDA!<br />Great piece of blog here. we both think alike. its funny how people buy into all these religions without having any credibility in this immortal invisible being they calim is real. thank you for your inspiring words and of coarse your music! may you continue to keep playing and heres another 40 years to you!<br /><br />I hope one day you guys can come to the states more often and play here in Miami. pleeeease!?<br />your music has gotten me through so much BS in my life. and i cant thank all of you enough for it, like the person before me said. write a book! id sure buy it<br /><br />james (in black)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-86810293758579968822011-01-05T13:42:06.657+00:002011-01-05T13:42:06.657+00:00I always enjoyed reading Jet's articles in Str...I always enjoyed reading Jet's articles in Strangled and his short commentary regarding the Nice affair - 'Much Ado About Nothing'. <br />Always controversial, insightful but written with a dry wit.<br />How refreshing to hear his thoughts again. <br />Jet - write a book - there is still time!Julian Highthttp://www.bugseye.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-89362456024333425712011-01-03T16:32:43.042+00:002011-01-03T16:32:43.042+00:00Thanks for this nice read!
As a product of sociali...Thanks for this nice read!<br />As a product of socialist upbringing, the only thing X-mas in my parents' house was the tree, which was considered pagan, not a symbol of organised religion and therefore to be tolerated, "for the childrens' sake". Church and commercialism had no place with us, and when I was about 7 years old, my no-nonsense montessori school teacher found it was high time to publicly and permanently erase the illusion of Santa Claus from her pupils' minds (no revelation to me, of course), which resulted in some interesting scenes in the school yard with outraged parents, who she, being the hardliner that she was, deliberately had not informed of today's lesson.<br />Of course I had to rebel against all that, as a teenager by joining a kabbalistic group (looong before madonna and the likes ever heared of such a thing :-)drown myself in ritual, studying herbs, alchemy and the stars, creating magic amulets (while listening to the Stranglers, what a combo :-), and later, on and off through flirtations with religious ideas and philosophies, but generally sceptic about the establishment(religious or secular) misusing its power for purposes less than holy, seen from the point of simple sense of justice, or even by their own standards of right and wrong.<br />Nowadays few rituals mean anything to me, but there's still one rather obvious event that's worth a little celebration around this time of year: the solstice and the fact that the days are getting longer and Spring and Summer will, eventually, be here again. If that isn't science, I don't know what is, Keeping it simple...Eppure si muove!<br />DominiqueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-59940700889147429692010-12-31T14:32:05.433+00:002010-12-31T14:32:05.433+00:00Jet should do the alternative Christmas message on...Jet should do the alternative Christmas message on TV I think.I have to agree with our philospher in Black.What are we celebrating?it seems to me that Christmas is a confused time of the year with Christian fairy tales,St nicklaus in europe and maybe even some pagan festivals put in for good measure.But the resulting farce is a cynical consumerism led dash of greed,mostly pointless presents and artificial happiness.People pretend to be nice to each other for one time in the year,then its back to normal.The rush in the shops is like a herd of Elephants,all buying goods nobody needs or wants.I dread Christmas and all that it stands for.Its totally meaningless to me.Then on Christmas eve you get adverts for your summer holidays.Christmas is a fairy tale,a corporate creation.I loathe it with a vengeance.Scrooge and proud to be.Matthew Brignallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-35804517504182634992010-12-30T15:12:37.798+00:002010-12-30T15:12:37.798+00:00Very thought provoking read.
Thanks for taking the...Very thought provoking read.<br />Thanks for taking the time to write it Jet.gizzardnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-72038660418338511292010-12-29T13:22:54.488+00:002010-12-29T13:22:54.488+00:00Jet, you're always thought provoking with your...Jet, you're always thought provoking with your eloquent writings. I admire you but often wonder if you're just a little too bitter and twisted?!! As for me, I hate the commercial aspects of Christmas and whilst I do sensibly believe in Darwin's evolution theories (why wouldn't any logical person), I also have Christian beliefs. I'm not what you would call a devout Christian but it doesn't stop me believing the parts that I think are plausible. I've always thought of the Bible as a tool for storytelling and moral guidance, it's dated and therefore doesn't translate well into modern life but the underlying principles are, at least in part, sound. Who knows what/who "God" is? Do you not think there could be some "greater being"? The universe is so unimaginably big that there is more than a good chance of intelligent life elsewhere. I wonder what their "gods" may be like and what festivals they celebrate? Years ago the Stranglers wrote about the MIB long before Hollywood got hold of the notion and you made connections with the Bible. Maybe there is some truth there and you've just forgotten?.......or maybe you've been visited by a MIB...........oh, and one last thing, what might the second coming be? With the state of this fucked up world currently, I think it's well overdue. Not Anonymously, Jez.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-86349617953905816852010-12-28T11:33:52.358+00:002010-12-28T11:33:52.358+00:00Jet should work for The Sun - he has the character...Jet should work for The Sun - he has the characteristics of their reporters i.e. 2% fact (at best) and 98% prejudice and misinformation. The article is poorly constructed and demonstrates a shallow academic style, but without the substance.Proof here, that atheism is the new bigotry. Don't you dare have different beliefs to Jet the famous pop star. You're entitled to your view, and it is a view as Science is a view (one of many), but you don't have the only view. Science has had many successes and loads of failures - and always will do. I certainly won't be putting my 'faith' in it. I'm also open-minded about things that may stand outside my reason, sadly Jet isn't and inhabits the narrow confines of our sick world. Yes, the Catholic church has abusers in it, as does any organisation or any group of people for that matter. The fact that a small proportion are sick and disgusting individuals, doesn't make the whole organisation of the same ilke or mean that it says anything about the philosophy or beliefs they hold. You should look at the many projects throughout the world that the church runs that help the disadvantaged escpape poverty - something that the music industry wouldn't understand as they don't make money out of it. With regard to consumerism, it's a bit rich for someone from the music industry, who shaft the fans at every opportunity, to take the moral high ground. I'm proud to tell everyone that I went to church at Christmas, bought my kids loads of presents and had plenty to eat. I'm sure you were very happy on the 25th sitting in the dark with a piece of coal on your fire. Let me know if I'm still allowed to come to Stranglers gigs (if I can afford the tickets, that is).<br /><br />Anderlar the ScripterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-36803018368460740912010-12-28T09:13:33.794+00:002010-12-28T09:13:33.794+00:00Ah - the relationship between TRUTH and BELIEF - t...Ah - the relationship between TRUTH and BELIEF - that old epistimological chestnut! So So Jet, why is there Something rather than Nothing? A question that at the moment can only be 'answered' within the context of a belief system. Certainly, belief can never approach 'truth'. So yes, our linguistic and culturally determined beliefs are up for grabs. At Christmas, you pays your money and makes your choice! Or maybe, you (the masses) dont think at all and just take on the percieved wisdom of those whose spoutings we admire (such as yourself?). I say, nail your colours to the mast and enjoy the tension of walking the tightrope of your constructed world view.<br />WH SmithAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-84893642366783195202010-12-27T20:21:47.828+00:002010-12-27T20:21:47.828+00:00Brilliant! Jet Black for president ha, Far too muc...Brilliant! Jet Black for president ha, Far too much integrity for that job. A bastion for truth and reason or to put it another way, anything non religious..Happy New Year JB Steeplejackinblacksteeplejackinblackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11097541792617643925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-51023798342903116002010-12-27T19:49:40.404+00:002010-12-27T19:49:40.404+00:00Characteristically witty and eloquent and right up...Characteristically witty and eloquent and right up my street. A bastion of sense, reason and truth I think you may have been holding back a bit on the subject of religious dogma tho. A more acid Christopher Hitchens style would have been more JB. Nice one and Happy 2011 looking forward to seeing you at Glasgow and Edinburgh in March. Steeplejackinblacksteeplejackinblackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11097541792617643925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-3494652983659661672010-12-27T11:04:27.743+00:002010-12-27T11:04:27.743+00:00Great JET, I like a can of worms for christmas. Th...Great JET, I like a can of worms for christmas. That reminded me of the famos Derek & Clive sketch where they slate religion and the dead pope gave Peter Cook the horn. Long live The Stranglers, Cheers Jet and hope to see you again in Nottingham Rock City 9th March 2011, Brian Smith in LincolnshireAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-28655512449481355112010-12-27T09:21:15.755+00:002010-12-27T09:21:15.755+00:00...and bah-humbug to you too, Jet. Going against t......and bah-humbug to you too, Jet. Going against the flow here: I LOVE all the naffness of Xmas. So what if it's fake? I'm off to play with my presents. Oh yes, Happy 2000+11 to all of you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-41531952363159749412010-12-26T22:55:26.129+00:002010-12-26T22:55:26.129+00:00Have you done your easter shopping yet Jet?Have you done your easter shopping yet Jet?Grant B Warnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-50865298593675596822010-12-26T21:49:04.054+00:002010-12-26T21:49:04.054+00:00Dear Jet
the quote from Galileo regarding intel...Dear Jet<br /> the quote from Galileo regarding intelligence and reason is quite profound i daresay. still i have to think there is some magical quality to the conception that a man who lived his life in peace and preaching of love God and your neighbor, whilst chastising the high priests of the time for their overindulgences, then sentenced to death for these very preachings - even in a mad world as it was then as much as now, brings some kind of inner harmony. i feel the surrounding folklore of Santa Claus et al, is for children to enhance their budding imaginations with a sense of positive anticipation to the vast wonders and workings of our universe. as far as doctrine, how can an individual of Catholic and Protestant heritage reconcile himself to the bloodied history of the two factions? it is a query i grapple with on a daily basis. cheers to you and your compadres, and a happy new year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-78880859619200815002010-12-26T21:45:50.309+00:002010-12-26T21:45:50.309+00:00Lets make 25th December Blackmas !!!Lets make 25th December Blackmas !!!Graham from Ruislipnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-31418626395772738862010-12-26T18:13:02.889+00:002010-12-26T18:13:02.889+00:00While I share your disapproval of the festive seas...While I share your disapproval of the festive season being somewhat hijacked by the christan church, I think this religious element is now almost a side show. Some hardcore christains do take it seriously as a celebration of the birth of Christ and the 'sunday best' church goers will turn out as usual but to the vast majority of people Christmas is simply a holiday and a time to over indulge in food (you must like some bits Jet?), drink and gift giving.<br /><br />The gift giving has now become the new meaning of Christmas as we worship at the temple of consumerisim. This part of Christmas has become somewhat insane and frenetic but with the advent of internet shopping one need not even go near a shop. Personaly I only give gifts to close family members and my wife does the old fashioned thing of actually making many of her presents which saves money and actually is appriciated by the reciptient.<br /><br />I do enjoy the food and drink with friends and family. It is an excuse to buy some fine wines, excellent whisky and eat sprouts. Things I cannot afford to do for the other 364 days of the year, for differing reasons.<br /><br />Christmas was a festival well before the Christians hijacked it and people have always celebrated the passing of midwinter and the lenghtening days. Nowadays we still have that need to do something enjoyable to brighten up the dark, cold nights and a festive season seems a reasonable solution.<br /><br />As for lying to childeren about the existence of Santa Claus, it is a harmless deception which brings happiness to millions, the trick is not to over indulge the little beggers. Some untruths are not necessarily bad.<br /><br />Anyway I am off for some home made Christmas pudding, or should I say, seasonal festive produce, and a good gurgle of the festive spirits.<br /><br />Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.James Greenfieldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-60498250770483819952010-12-26T17:50:09.061+00:002010-12-26T17:50:09.061+00:00It speaks volumes about the human race that we nee...It speaks volumes about the human race that we need a special day to remind ourselves to love, understand, and do kindnesses for one another. Sharp piece, Jet. You are and always will be The Man!David Wisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-76950461501548419792010-12-26T15:00:00.447+00:002010-12-26T15:00:00.447+00:00Thanks Jet for taking the time to post that , most...Thanks Jet for taking the time to post that , most thought provoking !!!!!!Claireinblacknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-69437581528367987282010-12-26T13:24:50.381+00:002010-12-26T13:24:50.381+00:00"If you want to give the kids a good time, th..."If you want to give the kids a good time, then give them a good time, you don’t need the allegory of the non-existent Santa. It’s completely untrue and most children are confused about it anyway."<br /><br />Cheers Jet! We knew this all along but our Dad insisted that a bearded bloke from Lapland with a flying sleigh and reindeers delivered our presents down a chimney that we haven't got.He's a daft twunt if he thinks we believe that!<br /><br />Harry & Liam Spooner<br />(Aged 7 & 12)THE SPOONER KIDSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-52651456343236018522010-12-26T12:57:16.959+00:002010-12-26T12:57:16.959+00:00You old misery guts whats wrong with getting into ...You old misery guts whats wrong with getting into debt, eating too much and generally being a slob on the other hand it is a very stressful period for a lot of people, when we really are supposed to be celebrating life. <br />Looking forward to all things stranglers for 2011<br /><br />Vinyinblackandblue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-83198854524993743292010-12-26T10:45:31.598+00:002010-12-26T10:45:31.598+00:00An interesting read Jet, thank you. Brings back th...An interesting read Jet, thank you. Brings back the days of your articles in Strangled which were always thought provoking at least. I do not agree with all you write but it made me think, which I suppose is not a bad thing isn't it?<br />ALl best, EricEric Vonxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-42272179915999452232010-12-26T09:00:44.568+00:002010-12-26T09:00:44.568+00:00Thanks Jet for your message. It was a thoughtful a...Thanks Jet for your message. It was a thoughtful and thought-provoking one. What I would add though is that the birth of Christ can (and for me perhaps should) be separated from established religion. The history and work of Christian Churches are not the same as the birth and life of a 'saviour of mankind'. I don't know what the truth of Jesus's birth was or who he may have been but the nativity story does allow us to stop and think positively about humanity if we only choose to do so. We so often think the worse or choose the darker path but for one day we have an 'excuse' to choose to see a postive side to the human race (and there are many). Surely that is worth celebrating. All the best.<br />NickUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06076183886382476609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-600640542098945192010-12-26T07:03:01.985+00:002010-12-26T07:03:01.985+00:00Christmas comes but once a year but theres always ...Christmas comes but once a year but theres always the sun jet your a living messiah bring on the conventionGAZnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-995615252839539172.post-75050823023980715762010-12-25T23:33:20.440+00:002010-12-25T23:33:20.440+00:00Tell it like it is bro ...that hit the spot......t...Tell it like it is bro ...that hit the spot......the qweens speach was a joke....i thiught she was gonna leap out of the tv screen and and start f...king joging screaming "Race yer" ...........dave the chef rochdale.....hmmmm convention next year ......definately..........goin.davidnoreply@blogger.com